International Women’s Day 2023 is here. And although we think EVERY DAY is an ideal day to celebrate our artists, we want to embrace the occasion to champion the life, learnings and legacy of some of DROOL’s forward-thinking artists, who just so happen to be women
Read on to discover the backstory of some of DROOL’s female artists, get clued up on some of the best advice ever given to them and uncover some inspirational women that you might not yet know about for International Women’s Day 2023. But first of all, we thought it might be fitting to include some of our fave, empowering quotes about women, fittingly, from some spectacular women.
“The problem with gender is that it prescribes how we should be rather than recognising how we are. Imagine how much happier we would be, how much freer to be our true individual selves, if we didn’t have the weight of gender expectations.”
— Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
“You could make a case that, along with the technological revolution, the most provocative upending destabilizing thrilling change in the course of human history is that we’re finally in it. … We’re here now, women are in the world, and we will not be bullied.”
— Meryl Streep
Coming up is a short interview with four of our artists – Jenny Beard, Petra Verkade, mareykrap and Carla Palette. Learn more about their lives and artistry, and shop some of their fab art below
Why do you think it’s important to observe International Women's Day 2023?
To give women a step up and a platform, as we usually live feeling that we are a step down.
Is there a female that inspires you in your career?
Valerie Savchits - She is unapologetic in her artistic style, and unapologetic in her womanhood
What is the most important piece of advice you have been given?
Nothing is ever given to you, as life is inherently unfair. It is all down to you, and that is a powerful position to be in
What advice would you give to someone who is about to start their artistic journey?
Work hard, and don't compare your success to others - you are your own competition. Everyone has a unique measure of success
How has the world changed for female artists in recent years?
There seem to be more selling platforms with a focus on female artist and minority groups
Do you think you have navigated your career differently to how a male might?
Yes, I have expected that nothing is handed to me - with the constant comparison to other Northern artists on the scene (primarily male) I have carved out my own position, and avoided falling in line behind them
Is there a particular female artist’s career that you are following right now?
Alina Birkner's solo show: Venusian Song at KennaXu Gallery. it is full of light and softness
If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
Grace Jones, Helen Frankenthaler, and Christine and the Queens/Redcar. I want to surround myself with strong people with stories to tell!
Petra Verkade
@ptrvrkd
Why do you think it’s important to observe International Women's Day 2023?
There are still women who are treated less well in the world of design as well. It is still important to make our voices heard and days like I.W.D. gives us the opportunity
Is there a female that inspires you in your career?
Anja Kaiser, pushing boundaries in graphic design and represents the woman in our design culture through feminist design. She used a billboard spot once to tell the word about feminists in graphic design, which I loved!
What is the most important piece of advice you have been given?
Don't let other people decide what you make :)
What advice would you give to someone who is about to start their artistic journey?
Don't ever let anyone make you feel less for being a woman. Whenever this is in payment, work or the way you are taken seriously. Unfortunately sometimes we still have to fight for our rights but don't let you stop that from doing the work that you love
How has the world changed for female artists in recent years?
I think brands and companies are a bit more aware of how female artists are treated nowadays, I do see progress in representing more female artists (in the NL), but women are still fighting for the places which are mostly taken by men in higher circles
Do you think you have navigated your career differently to how a male might?
Sometimes I think I do, especially when it comes to presenting work. I think that some men will listen differently to a woman than when a man presents the work. But luckily I have the chance to work at an agency where more women work than men and where equal opportunities are offered
Is there a particular female artist’s career that you are following right now? Xaviera Altena. Raises many social topics in which her own style finds a way and where heavy subjects are nevertheless brought out in a positive way
If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
Irma Boom, Paula Scher, Jessica Walsh
Yeram Park / mareykrap
@mareykrap
Why do you think it’s important to observe International Women's Day 2023?
Observing I.W.D. promotes the improvement of women’s rights and provides an opportunity to think again about the acknowledgement of women.
Is there a female that inspires you in your career?
Korean actor Youn Yuh-jung. Despite the conservative culture in Korea, she is an actor who firmly lives her life, continues her acting career, and constantly challenges herself as she ages. I would like to take a leaf out of her, who expands her artistic capabilities without being self-conscious.
What is the most important piece of advice you have been given?
Don’t rely on anyone but live your own life without regret.
What advice would you give to someone who is about to start their artistic journey?
Same advice from the last question, but with your great friends.
How has the world changed for female artists in recent years?
How K-pop female artists recently make their moves are sensational. I believe female creators such as illustrators, 3D artists, and animators are also in full swing these days. I believe they are becoming more and more influential as well.
Do you think you have navigated your career differently to how a male might?
To be honest, I do not think I have navigated my career differently.
Is there a particular female artist’s career that you are following right now?
I’m fascinated by Isabella Cotier’s works these days, her freewheeling style of drawing and colors is amazing.
If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
Dame Vivienne Westwood - favorite female fashion designer. I fell into fashion because of her. I still remember her famous quotes, “Don’t expect too much from anyone, and don’t be jealous. Love will stay with you, or leaving is the destiny of man. So don’t dwell on everything excessively, and don’t forget to always learn and cherish yourself!”
Isabella Cotier - I’d like to talk to her about where she gets her inspiration, about her work routine, and about her works.
Youn Yuh-jung - I want to ask for advice on how to constantly challenge my dreams, and how to manage the power to love and maintain my career
Carla Palette
@carlapalette
Why do you think it’s important to observe International Women's Day 2023?To celebrate the women who allowed us to live the way women can today
Is there a female that inspires you in your career?
Jessica Walsh - I find Jessica most inspiring for her bold approach to her work and the way she is able to inject soul, emotion and unapologetic messaging within a highly commercial world/industry
What is the most important piece of advice you have been given?
Feel the fear and do it anyway
What advice would you give to someone who is about to start their artistic journey?
Focus on your work and try not to lean into the social politics around it. Design can be more objective than you think - considering it's a subjective industry. So put your head down, block everything out and your work will shine through despite what gender you are. If the reason your work is not celebrated or chosen is based on gender, you wouldn't want to work with them anyway
How has the world changed for female artists in recent years?
With progressive parts of the world becoming more inclusive and tolerant, this has definitely had an impact for female artists
Do you think you have navigated your career differently to how a male might?
Honestly, not really. I try to focus on my work, rather than men.
Is there a particular female artist’s career that you are following right now? @sausagelord - Really love both her graphic style and her overall unapologetic brand she has
If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
Carol Jerrems - I find Carol inspiring as she managed to submerge herself in various subcultures deemed 'dangerous' for women at the time, gained their trust, and documented their lives through photography. She also iconically photographed her own slow death.
Nan Golden - Given the photography she produced, I'm sure she has a lot of stories.
Greta Gerwig - For her amazing directress artistry in film, rather than her acting features in Hollywood films.
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